2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Test the null hypothesis that sex of littermates does not affect lifetime productivity of ewes. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) An appropriate dataset will be extracted from the USDA, ARS, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station genetics database. Various statistical methods and models will be used to determine whether the sex of littermates affects the lifetime productivity of ewes. Students from Wingate University will work with scientists at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station and Dr. Alison Brown, Wingate University, to analyze and interpret the data. Documents NFCA with Wingate U. 3.Progress Report To determine whether sex of littermates affects lifetime productivity of ewes, ARS Research Scientists at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) in Dubois, ID, extracted a dataset from the USSES genetics database. In 2011, one student and a faculty member from Wingate University, North Carolina, spent five working days at the USSES analyzing data, with guidance from USSES scientists. In 2011, the data were used to prepare an abstract and poster for an undergraduate research colloquium at Wingate University. The project has produced meaningful research data, provided a new opportunity for students at Wingate University to participate in research, and stimulated a female undergraduate student to enter a reproductive physiology graduate program, starting fall term 2011. Project is monitored by in-person collaboration, and continued correspondence by phone, and email.